Today I had the honor to attend a pre-deployment ceremony for the 1/214th, Bravo Battery, Field Artillery, Thomson National Guard. Many important people gave speeches of encouragement and trust in God as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan shortly. In attendance of the ceremony, and keynote speaker, was Lt. Gen. Retired Patrick of the Korean Field Army. In his speech he reminded the soldiers of the pains and struggles of deployment but also to trust their training and God who had prepared them for this great task. But during the entire ceremony not one person thought to boast in what they had already accomplished. You see, these soldiers are leaving for deployment and not one of them knows what awaits them where they go. Neither can anyone of them claim a victory over their enemy before they have even set foot on ground in Afghanistan.
But listen to the words of Benhadad, the king of Syria, when he went to war against Israel and king Ahab. Benhadad had already claimed victory over all of Israel claiming to carry off their wealth, women, children and all the goodliest stuffs before even raising one sword in agression. King Ahab's reply is priceless "And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off."
Our victory is in Christ, not in our actions, deeds, or self-effort. We have nothing to boast in in this life save the person and work of Christ. He has accomplished everything necessary for faith and life with God the Father. Lets not be like Benhadad and prematurely claim a victory that we will not see through, but trust the Lord Jesus Christ, who has won every victory, to fight for us.
Christian, lay down your hands and rest in the power of Christ this day,
Jay Silvas
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